U.S. authorizes partial evacuation of Middle East embassies --Washington reportedly believes Israel could strike Iran's nuclear sites without its approval | 12 June 2025 | The U.S. has begun evacuating non-essential personnel and family members from its embassies and military bases in the Middle East in light of escalating tensions with Iran. The move follows President Donald Trump's accusation that Tehran is "slow-walking" negotiations. "Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq," the State Department said in an emailed statement to the media on Wednesday. Reuters cited a U.S. official as saying that voluntary departures had also been authorized at the embassies in Kuwait and Bahrain. The Pentagon has likewise approved the departure of family members from military installations in the region.